USA > California > A history of the new California, its resources and people; Vol I > Part 34
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In 1873 Hon. James H. Budd was married to Miss Inez A. Merrill, a native of Connecticut, and a daughter of M. H. and Celinda A. Merrill, who were also born in the Charter Oak state and were representatives of old Ameri- can families. Socially Mr. and Mrs. Budd are well known in California. His only fraternal relations are with the Zeta Psi, a Greek letter society, with which his brother is also identified. Although Mr. Budd is well known throughout the state and has been prominent in its public life, he adheres to
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the old views of professional ethics, which discountenance all manner of advertising and self-adulation. He is a public-spirited citizen, always ready to support real reforms of existing abuses in the law or its administration, and to encourage and support institutions calculated to aid his fellow men. There is no effort on his part to become a leader, and yet he has been called to the highest office within the gift of the people of California. His ambi- tion, however, is greater in behalf of his friends than for himself, and to them he is ever loyal. His tastes lead him to choose a quiet life of work in his profession and study. His home, his profession and the questions of the day, covering a wide range of study, absorb him, and in these he finds his greatest enjoyment. Few men have a more intimate knowledge of the his- tory of the country or its public men, or have devoted more time to the study of the social and economic questions of the times.
FRANK MATTISON.
Frank Mattison, member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district of California, and whose residence is at 15 Ocean View ave- nue, Santa Cruz, is a Californian by birth and rearing, and has been identi- fied with the agricultural, mercantile and political life of the state for many years. Being energetic, progressive and public-spirited, he has been success- ful in his own private ventures and has done much for the welfare of his county and state in the public offices with which his fellow citizens have en- trusted him.
Mr. Mattison was born near Santa Cruz, California, February 5, 1860. His father, John S. Mattison, was born in England, and in early life came to the United States and located in Chicago, where he was a manufacturer of boots and shoes. He was an original California forty-niner, making the trip across the plains, and he engaged in mining for awhile after reaching the Eldorado of his dreams. He then turned his attention to the manufac- ture of saddles, and later settled on a farm near Santa Cruz. He died in Santa Cruz in 1889. In the early days he was associate judge of the county, and throughout his life was a prominent and influential factor in every community in which part of his career was passed. His wife was Lila Miles, who was born in Pennsylvania of an old American family of English descent. She died in 1896, and two sons survive her, Frank and Ralph, the latter being engaged in farming near Santa Cruz.
Mr. Mattison received his education in the public schools of Santa Cruz county and also had some private teaching. He began farming on his father's place when he was fifteen years old and later on property of his own in Santa Cruz county, being engaged in that occupation altogether for twelve years. He was next in the grocery business in Santa Cruz for three years. His public career began in 1890 when he was elected to the office of county as- sessor, and the people showed their appreciation of his services by keeping him in office for three four-year terms. In November. 1902, he was elected a member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district, for a term of four years. To the taxpayers of the state, this is the most impor-
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tant official board of the commonwealth, and Mr. Mattison's election is a high tribute to his knowledge of property values and his sense of fairness in apportioning and equalizing the burdens of taxation.
Mr. Mattison has been active in the interests of the Republican party since coming to majority, and has attended the state conventions and was chairman of the county central committee. He is at present a member of the board of trustees of the Monterey custom house, having been appointed by Governor Gage in 1902. Fraternally he belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West, and was grand president of the order in 1899. He also affiliates with the Elks, with the commandery and Mystic Shrine of the Ma- sons, is past chief patriarch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, etc.
Mr. Mattison was married at Soquel, Santa Cruz county, California, November 6, 1883, to Miss Carrie A. Peck, a native of New York state and a daughter of E. G. Peck, who came to California in pioneer days and was a farmer in Santa Cruz county. Two daughters have been born to this mar- riage, Lila E. and Ruth.
FISHER AMES.
Fisher Ames, leading lawyer of San Francisco, has been practicing in California for over thirty years, during which time he has not only risen to a prominent place at the bar and among his associates but has been a public- spirited citizen and foremost in advancing public enterprises in his adopted city. He is a man of unusual capability, broad-minded and in sympathy with the higher life, and in his home, and place of business, and before the public eye, holds a place of dignity and affection and is honored and esteemed everywhere.
Five generations of the Ames family have resided in and been leading factors in the community life of New Hampshire and northeast Massachu- setts. Mr. Ames was born in Holderness, New Hampshire, February 8, 1844, a son of Thomas Jefferson Ames, a native of Guilford, New Hamp- shire, and of Louisa (Ellison) Ames, of Holderness, New Hampshire. He received his early education in the common schools of Campton, New Hamp- shire, during the fifties, and then went to Plymouth Academy and Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, where he prepared for col- lege. He entered Dartmouth College in 1865, and was graduated in 1869. This excellent educational equipment was largely self-acquired, for while in academy and in college he taught school for eight terms in his own state and in Massachusetts, in order to gain funds for his next course. He had taught a term of school before he was seventeen years old.
From Dartmouth College Mr. Ames entered the University of Albany, where he was a student in the law course, and was graduated in 1870. In the same year he was admitted to practice in all the courts of the state of New York, but did not choose to remain in the east for his professional career. He came to California in 1870, and began practice in San Francisco. In 1872 he entered the office of the city and county attorney, and in 1874 was appointed special counsel for the collection of delinquent taxes. In
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1875 he was elected a member of the board of education, and held office for two years. He was chosen a member of the second board of freeholders for the framing of a charter for the city and county of San Francisco, and dur- ing six and a half years was a member of the board of fire commissioners.
September 20, 1870, Mr. Ames was married at Campton, New Hamp- shire, to Miss Emilie Narcissa Morrison, a native of Plymouth, New Hamp- shire. A daughter was born to them, but she died in 1875. Mr. Ames is a member of the Alumni Association of Dartmouth College and of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Association of the Pacific Coast.
HON. FRANK L. COOMBS.
While the disposition to do honor to those who have served well their race or their nation is prevalent among all enlightened people and is of great value everywhere and under all forms of government, it is particularly ap- propriate to and to be fostered in this country, where no man is born to public office or to public honor or comes to either by inheritance, but where all men are equal before the law, where the race for distinction is over the road for public usefulness and is open to everyone who chooses to enter, however humble and obscure he may be, and where the advantageous circumstances of family and wealth count, in the vast majority of cases, for but little or noth- ing. In an enumeration of the men of the present generations who have won honor for themselves and at the same time have honored the state to which they belonged it is imperative that distinct recognition be accorded Hon. Frank L. Coombs, for he is one of the distinguished citizens of California and has figured prominently not only in the state but also in national and in- ternational affairs. He is a native son of California and among those who have known him from his youth up he has won the recognition which is only accorded to sterling worth and upright American manhood.
Mr. Coombs was born in Napa on the 27th of December, 1853. His father, Nathan Coombs, was a native of Massachusetts and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1842, several years before the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope was attracting thousands to this section of the country. In 1843 he came to California and was identified with early farming interests in Napa county. He married Miss Isabel Gordon, a native of New Mexico, and a daughter of William Gordon, who in 1823 crossed the Rocky Mountains into New Mexico, where he married into one of the old Spanish families ; later he came to California, and it was here that his daughter became the wife of Nathan Coombs. The surviving children of this marriage are Frank L., of this re- view; Levy, who is a resident farmer of Napa county ; and Eva, the wife of John M. Coghlan, congressman from the third district of California in 1871.
The early boyhood days of Frank L. Coombs passed somewhat unevent- fully in the usual manner of lads of the period. At the age of ten he entered the public schools of Napa and subsequently was a student in the Dorchester high school of Boston, Massachusetts, which he entered in 1871, pursuing his studies there for two years. He prepared for the practice of law as a stu- dent in the Columbian Law College at Washington, D. C., where he was
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graduated on the completion of a two years' course with the class of 1875. Being this well equipped for the practice of law, he returned to California, locating in his native city of Napa, and since that time, when not engaged with official duties, has given his time and energies to the practice of his profession. Upon the Republican ticket he was elected district attorney of Napa county for two terms and filled the office in a most acceptable manner from 1879 until 1885. In 1877 he was chosen to represent his district in the California legislature and was re-elected in 1889, 1891 and 1897. During the assembly sessions of 1891 and of 1897 he was speaker of the house, and presided over its deliberations with marked impartiality, showing a com- prehensive knowledge of parliamentary law and a fearlessness in defense of his position that accorded well with the dignity of the place and the power that was conferred upon him. He won the respect of the leaders of both parties, and his fair and impartial rulings during his first terms caused his re-election on the second occasion. In May, 1892, Mr. Coombs was ap- pointed minister to Japan and served until August, 1893, filling out the un- expired term of John F. Swift. In April, 1899, he became United States attorney for California and served until March, 1901. In 1890 he was elected to Congress, and in the national halls of legislation proved a capable work- ing member, showing thorough familiarity with many of the leading ques- tions which came up for discussion and giving his support in unfaltering manner to every measure which he believed would contribute to the welfare of his country.
On the 27th of September, 1879, Mr. Coombs was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Roper, of Boston, a daughter of Foster H. Roper, of that city. Three children have been born of this marriage: Nathan Coombs, now twenty-two years of age, left college in 1902 and at present is connected with a commercial enterprise in Washington, D. C. Amy Louise and Dorothy May Coombs are at home with their parents.
The great social prominence which always comes in recognition of indi- vidnal worth, culture and refinement has come to the Coombs household, which is noted for its hospitality, and it is the scene of many a delightful social function. Mr. Coombs is an enthusiastic member of the order of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and is also a prominent representative of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has made for himself an enviable reputation as a representative of the legal profession and' in public office. Well prepared for his profession he at once entered upon the prac- tice of law, and from the beginning has been unusually prosperous in every respect. The success which he has attained is due to his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever for profes- sional advancement, which comes only through hard labor, integrity and ability. These qualities Mr. Coombs possesses to an eminent degree, and he is faithful to every case committed to his charge. Throughout his whole life whatever his hand finds to do. whether in his profession or in his official duties, or in any other sphere, he does with all his might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation.
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JOSEPH CRAIG.
Joseph Craig, president of the Yolo County Consolidated Water Com- pany, and one of the most prominent and influential residents of Woodland, has lived in California since infancy, for over fifty years, so that not even a native son of the Golden state could be more thoroughly imbued with the dominant western spirit of enterprise than Mr. Craig. For a number of years he was one of Yolo county's most successful lawyers, and his individ- ual career has been marked with high achievement and prosperous material results. Public enterprises have of late years come in for a good share of Mr. Craig's time and attention, and the one of which he is at the head will in the near future be regarded as the fountain head of much of the county's prosperity as an agricultural and fruit-raising center, and the energies and executive ability of a man like Mr. Craig could not be directed to a more laudable and important undertaking.
The Yolo County Consolidated Water Company is engaged in putting into operation one of the largest irrigation systems in the state. The com- pany was organized in 1903 for the purpose of consolidating all the indepen- dent water systems of the county and making one network of co-operating and efficient irrigation lines. In a short time one hundred and twenty thou- sand acres in Yolo and Solano counties will be supplied from this source. Clear Lake serves as the storage reservoir, supplemented by the two forks of the Cache river. When completed it will deliver five hundred cubic feet of water per second. The total cost of the system will be one million dol- lars. Ninety-nine miles of ditch have been constructed and fifty more will . be added. Nineteen thousand horsepower will be developed, and will be used for electric roads, lights, etc. The officers of the company are Joseph Craig. president ; L. D. Stephens, secretary ; and the Bank of Woodland, treasurer. The directors are N. A. Hawkins, L. D. Stephens, C. Q. Nelson, John L. Stephens, J. J. Stephens, Joseph Craig and J. S. Craig.
Mr. Craig, who is thus prominently connected with Yolo county's finan- cial and industrial interests, was born in Clinton county, Missouri, in 1849, and was brought to California in 1852 by his parents, who first settled in Nevada county and afterward went to San Francisco. He attended the schools of Nevada county and of San Francisco, and took up the study of law with the intention of making it his life occupation. He was admitted to the bar in 1874, and was engaged in practice nearly twenty years, only retiring from his professional duties when his other affairs demanded all his time. He came to Yolo county in 1878, and his interests have been largely identified with this section of the state ever since. He and his wife own jointly three thousand acres of the finest land in the state, and on it are raised large crops of alfalfa, fruit and also high-grade cattle and sheep. They are also large stockholders in the Bank of Woodland.
He was married in Woodland in 1874 to Miss Kate S. Stephens, a daughter of John D. Stephens, a prominent and well known Californian, and founder of the Bank of Woodland. They have three children: John
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S., who is cashier of the Bank of Woodland; Mary A. and Cassie B. Mr. Craig's fraternal affiliations are with the Masons and the Odd Fellows.
JOHN G. DOWNEY.
Wherever men go forth to build cities and states, wherever they achieve greatness . and honor in the vast empire of human industry there is the necessity of leadership. Particularly is this true of the Golden West and of all states where the early struggles of the pathfinders were more or less hindered by lax morals and chaotic social conditions.
California is a pre-eminent example of the righting of social delin- quencies after an era of disorder such as caused the organizing of vigilance committees and the administration of justice by the rough processes of mining camps and public-square meetings.
But California was peculiarly fortunate during her troublous eras, for she seemed to produce sturdy men of action and honor who grasped the situation with firmness and directed the affairs of state with wisdom. Not only did such men as the immortal Thomas Starr King thunder the les- sons of right living from the pulpit, not only did such editors as James King of William rouse the people to action by the power of pen and type, but men like Governor Downey held back the cohorts of corruption by giv- ing the people strong and honest administrations in the hour of need.
The story of the lives of the founders is always interesting, for their achievements give faith in the power of our fellow men, affording an illus- trious example to the youth of the land, inspiring the belief that what man has done man can do.
The particular charm that dwells in the story of Governor John G. Downey's life is the fact that he came to America a young Irish lad, de- scended from scholarly ancestors, carved his fortune from the opportuni- ties at hand, crossed the isthmus in the days of the Argonauts and helped to the utmost of his superb abilities to build California into a great state. Be- ginning his career as a young man amid the excitement and temptations of speculation, he ever preserved that coolness of judgment and those Chris- tian virtues that make his name revered by the younger generation. for he was beloved of the people, who knew his worth and have preserved the story of his life.
Jolın G. Downey. the fourth governor of California, was born in Cas- tle Sampson, county Roscommon, Ireland, on June 24, 1827. . His parents were Dennis and Bridget Downey, whose ancestors were distinguished lead- ers of their fellows not only in the higher fields of human endeavor, but on the field of contest as well. The early youth of the man that afterward had an important part to play far from the scenes of his birth lay amid the inspiring natural scenery immortalized by the masters. The fields and brooks where the lad played were the same made famous in song and story bv Burns, Moore and Goldsmith, and by such orators as the illustrious Henry Grattan. He started in life amid influences that stirred partiotism and chivalry.
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In the national schools of his native land he got a fair rudimentary education, and what was probably of more importance in the end he learned to work with his hands, familiarizing himself with agriculture and the in- dustries common to his people. At the age of fourteen he came to America, whither the other members of his family had preceded him. In Charles county, Maryland, he studied Latin under John Corcoran, an illustrious teacher. The lad applied himself with marked industry and made great progress in his work, learning, also, the habit of application under the tute- lage and example of the eminent instructor. At the age of sixteen years young Downey was forced to abandon his school and go forth to battle for his livelihood. This was a grave disappointment to his family, who had hoped he would finish his studies and become a priest, as many of his fam- ily had taken up that calling. It is doubtful, however, whether so robust and ambitious a nature, endowed with rare gifts of business management and the genius of organizing and directing men, would ever have been sat- isfied with the more circumscribed lines of the priesthood. After leaving school the young man soon found employment at the nation's capital. where he studied pharmacy with John F. Callan, one of the greatest apothecaries of Washington. Young Downey remained with Callan until 1846. He next went to Cincinnati, where he soon became the partner in the drug business of John Darling, a Scotchman and a leading apothecary of Ohio's metropolis. He was not destined to remain long in the older settlements, however, for his adventurous spirit longed to seek new fields of larger op- portunities. When the lure of gold led men to follow the star of empire in its westward course Downey was one of the sturdy group that made the tour to better his fortunes. Unlike many others, whose ambition was to make quick fortunes in the mines, Downey made the trip with a view to making his money from the soil and the people. He had faith that Califor- nia was destined to be a stable commonwealth, and his knowledge of agri- cultural values stood him in hand when he reached the west. He was in no particular hurry to reach his destination, so he stopped for a time in Vicksburg, where he was connected in business with Oliver Woodman, a gentleman of culture and business attainments.
Fortunately for the young man all his associates in business and in life had been men of good character and attainments. Every influence that surrounded him was uplifting and helpful. This fact, together with his innate desire for square dealing. developed his character along strong lines, so that when he came into the excitement and turmoil of the Golden West where many men fell, temptation did not lure him from the path of rectitude.
Leaving Vicksburg he crossed the isthmus, remaining at Havana and New Orleans for some time before he ventured farther. In 1849 he landed in California with ten dollars. He was not idle long, for he knew the drug business thoroughly and was hired at once by Henry Johnson & Company, who were on Dupont street, San Francisco. Observing an opportunity to better himself, by a stroke of good luck he made the purchase of a stock of drugs at about twenty per cent below cost, and took his purchase to Los Angeles, going by schooner and consuming three weeks in the voyage. At
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Los Angeles he went into partnership with Dr. McFarland, of Tennessee, was successful, and at the end of three years young Downey found himself worth about thirty thousand dollars. From that time forward his fortunes prospered. In 1856 Downey was elected to the legislature, having endeared himself to the people of his vicinity by his ambition, his patriotism and hon- esty. He had already served as councilman, superintendent of lighthouses, and later as distributing agent of the United States treasury. So well did his political fortunes prosper that in 1859 he was nominated for lieutenant governor by the Democrats, and was elected by a handsome majority. Soon after this election Governor Latham resigned to become a United States senator. This left Downey at the helm as governor of the· state. His record was brilliant in the trying era of the Civil war. As commander- in-chief of the forces of the state he did much, in conjunction with public- spirited citizens in private life, to keep California in the column of states that were for the Union. He was instrumental in raising a regiment from California and Arizona, and that regiment went forth and fought gallantly for the Union.
It was the inflexible honesty of Governor Downey that prevented a band of corruptionists from looting the treasury and stealing from San Francisco her water front. He promptly vetoed the "Bulkhead " bill that would have plundered the commerce of the port, routing every sign of cor- ruption wherever he got a chance to deal it a killing blow. So delighted were the people that the supervisors of San Francisco adopted resolutions of confidence and respect, paying a high tribute to the honesty and ability of their governor. Prominent citizens and leading merchants presented the governor with resolutions that praised him in the highest terms for his un- swerving fidelity to duty in the hour of trial. When the governor arrived in San Francisco soon after his famous veto the entire population was at the ferry to meet and salute him. When he arrived the cheering was thun- derous. His carriage awaited him, but the crowd unhitched the horses and drew the carriage in triumph through the streets of the city. Never in the history of California has there since been, nor had there been before, so tumultuous a tribute to manly worth and fidelity to duty.
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